Greetings!

This week, the effects of inflation are continuing to devastate communities across America, and families are struggling to afford even the most basic things like groceries. My office conducted a poll to see how this crisis is hitting Orange County, and the results were very troubling.

My team and I hosted a Military Service Academy Info night to provide students and parents with resources and information about attending one of our nation's most prestigious institutions. I also met with my Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board, and a Huntington Beach Firefighter and his fire dog to thank them for their service to our community. Read on to learn more about what I've been doing this week!

Make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get these updates in real-time.
Americans are Going into Debt...for Groceries
As the effects of inflation continue to crush families across America, troubling new reports indicate that many families are taking on debt just to afford their weekly grocery bills. My office conducted a poll to to see if my constituents are experiencing this, and the results are in: over 40% of you said that you are taking on debt to pay for groceries.
 
This isn't surprising, considering food prices have risen more than 10% in the last year. This is a very troubling indication of the severe financial strain inflation is putting on household budgets.

Make no mistake - the record inflation we're seeing is the direct result of reckless tax-and-spend policies coming out of Washington, D.C. As a lifelong tax fighter, I'm working to combat the effects of inflation, which is a tax on all Americans - and lower costs from Orange County families.
I met with my Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory board to discuss ways that we can stand up to discrimination and stop anti-Asian hate. As one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress, I am proud to advocate for our diverse and vibrant AAPI in Orange County. Learn more about my work to stand up for our AAPI communities on my website.
I met with Huntington Beach Fire Department Engineer Kane Johnson and Kingman the fire dog to thank them for serving their department and our community. One of Kingman’s first duties was supporting the Huntington Beach Police Department after the loss of Officer Nick Vella in February. Thank you, Kane & Kingman for what you do to make Huntington Beach a better place!
Connecting Students with the Military Service Academies
This week I hosted a Military Service Academy Information Night with representatives from the U.S. Army, Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies to provide information to prospective applicants and help connect the Orange County student community with resources.
Attending one of our nation's Military Service Academies is both an incredible opportunity and a distinguished honor for those seeking a top-notch college education. We had a great turnout, and representatives from each of the service academies came and provided information about the admissions process and a day in the life of an academy student.
I was pleased to be able to host representatives of the Academies to help the students of Orange County make these important decisions about their futures, and to help the next generation of public servants start their journey. Thanks to the academy representatives and all the parents and students who attended!
Apply for the 2022 Congressional App Challenge
My office is now accepting submissions for the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC is a great way for middle and high school students from across the country to explore and improve their computer-based skills by creating original apps. This competition encourages computer science and innovation skills and offers an opportunity for students to explore potential careers in the STEM field.

Each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year and will be featured on the House of Representatives website. Winning students are also invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C. 

The CAC is open to 6th - 12th grade students residing in or attending school in California’s 48th District. Teachers and/or students should verify their eligibility with our office by calling (714) 960-6483.
What I'm Reading
Opinion | China Is Buying the Farm

State-owned companies have bought many acres near U.S. military bases. What is Beijing up to?

Read more
www.wsj.com
I’ll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you up to date on my work on behalf of our Orange County community, so make sure you sign up for regular updates.

You can also connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I’ll be posting the latest news and updates.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress